SIGN OF TIMES.

Japan women's singular contentment.

The white dress is losing its appeal for many Japanese women. Seven out of 10 single Japanese women believe they can be perfectly happy remaining on their own, according to an opinion poll in the Yomiuri newspaper. The number of women believing singledom can bring contentment has risen by 10% since 2003, the newspaper said.
Analysts say the results reflect the fact that staying single is no longer the social stigma it once was. It also illustrates why Japan is facing a falling birth-rate, as many Japanese choose to marry later or not at all.
The birth-rate is now just 1.29 children per woman - among the lowest in the world - fuelling concerns that a shrinking work force will be unable to support the country's growing numbers of elderly.